Where Does Lopez fit in the Royals’ future plans?


Kansas City has many questions to answer as the season moves along, like who will be here long term, and who will not. One of the biggestion question marks is at shortstop. The team had high hopes for Adalberto Mondesi when signing him out of the Dominican Republic in 2011. They envisioned him becoming the long term shortstop following Alcides Escobar's departure from Kansas City. Unfortunately for Mondesi and the Royals, that certainly hasn't worked out due to Mondesi's injury history. The Royals turned to infielder Nicky Lopez to fill in for Mondesi for the remainder of the 2022 season. Lopez, like Escobar, definitely doesn't hit for power, but he is great defensively and has plenty of speed. I believe the hitting issue can definitely be resolved with some minor changes by working with the interim/new hitting coach. The 27-year old most likely will never hit for much power because it's just not how he's built; however, like with Escobar, I believe Lopez can become a great slap hitter by using the gaps left open by the defense. While I believe Witt Jr. would make a great shortstop, I believe his primary position will be at third base or maybe at second base. The Royals definitely are hoping that the players they selected in the past draft work out. Lopez's timeline with the Royals is most likely for three to five years. In 2021, Lopez received many All-Star votes for the designated hitter position.The 2021 season was obviously a great year for Lopez; but unfortunately, he was robbed of the gold glove at shortstop. Lopez came up short in the voting to Carlos Correa of Houston, J.P. Crawford of Seattle, and Andrelton Simmons of Minnesota. Lopez trailed each of them in defensive runs saved, as a second baseman. To be fair, in 2021, Lopez wasn't the team's primary shortstop. 2022 on the other hand is obviously different with Mondesi being out for the year, Lopez has cemented the position with his gold glove type of defense. The Royals and Lopez are both definitely counting on the 2022 and 2023 season to see an offensive turnaround in hopes he can become a great slap hitter. Lopez does have the fanbase on his side after becoming a fan favorite with his incredible defense and fan interaction on and off the field.

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